USA > Nebraska > Seward County > History of Seward County, Nebraska, and reminiscenses of territorial history > Part 39
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54
JOSEPH BLACKBURN
One of the old soldier boys, who was born under the flag of old England in Yorkshire, March 8, 1831. In his young days, he learned of the better land beyond the sea, and came to America, and at Rockford, Illinois, he found a young war widow, and he followed the scriptures injunction to "visit the widow" and it resulted as such visits fre- quently do. They were married November 5, 1862. There was a little son that he became heir to under the transaction, Frank J. Crowel. The union brought eleven children, five of which died in infancy. Those yet living are : Ella, now Mrs. Wm. Hallet, Alice E., now Mrs. J. W. Helm, Harry B., Elizabeth, now Mrs. E. Blanchard, Rose, now Mrs. F. Ward, and George.
Mr. Blackburn showed his loyalty to his adopted land by enlisting in the 67th Illinois regiment and again in the Company D, 11th Illinois infantry, where he got to smell burnt vowder in plenty. Was at Zazoo City in a death struggle Was on the run toward Champion hill and finally saw the other fellows run. "Vas in the campaign at Poncher Train, Blakely and Mobile. Took a long ride up Red river and was discharged at Marshall, Texas. in October, 1865. Came to Nebraska in 1869, and pre-empted the gold field now owned by friend Dillenbeck in "P" precinct, and sold his right for three dollars, gold and all. .
Later he settled in "K" precinct. Has for many years made his . home in Seward.
Is an enthusiastic member of the G. A. R. Votes the republican ticket when opportunity offers.
WILLIAM A. BROKAW
Is one of the great host of Fulton County, Illinois boys that found their way to Seward County in pioneer days. The lad was born near the little old town of Fairview, June 12, 1843, when that county was yet a wild wilderness. Gus(as we call him) there grew to manhood and married Miss Jane A. Hageman. October 20, 1863. She also was a na- tive of Fairview, born September 4, 1844. She died at the family homestead east of Ruby, March 12, 1894. They had six children, viz: Two died in infancy. The living are Frank H., Alletta, now Mrs. W. O. Robins. Adie C., now Mrs. A. J. Faust and William H.
The family came to Seward County in 1869. In 1898, July 3, Mr. Brokaw married Miss Albina Cox of Seward County.
She was born in Pike County, Illinois and came to Seward County in 1878 with her parents. She died August 11, 1901. Mr. Brokaw set-
25
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
tled in section 14 "J" precinct. He is a long time member of the A. F. and A. M.
FRANK H. RROKAW
Another of those Fulton County. Illinois, boys that got on the western trail in early youth and has grown up with the country sure enough. Was born October 20, 1864, and spent his youthful days on his father's homestead. helping to open up the farm. His neighbor, Fore- man, had a nice little girl, Maggie R., and Frank and Maggie played together and bye and bye Frank won her heart and they were married October 20, 1885
She was born in Pike County, Illinois. August 7, 1867. They have eight children, viz: Augustus D., Elsie L., Eva J., Frank A., Alletta A., Frank W., Maggie N. and William R.
He owns a splendid faim four miles south of Seward. Is prosperous and contented. Church home is with the Christian church at Seward.
JOSEPH BROOKS
Adjutant of the Soldier's Home at Milford. Was born September 15, 1837, in Athens County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood and received his education. When the war broke out and he heard the drum beat his soul was fired with patriotism and July 25, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, 30th Ohio Infantry. Was with General Cox in Virginia, and in 1862 with General Burnside and was in West Virginia a while then with General Sherman. At the siege of Vicksburg was commiss- ioned Second Lieutenant. After the siege was in the conflict at South Mountain, at Antietam, at Jackson and followed Sherman to the sea and to Washington and was at the grand review as Captain Brooks. Then was sent to Little Rock. Arkansas, where he was mustered ont. Ile returned and married the girl he had left behind, Miss Nancy A. Criss, in 1866.
She was born at Harrisonville, Ohio, December 25, 1846. There were born to them three children : Effie, now Mrs. Carlyle, Etta, yet at home and Mattie, now Mrs. R. Quein.
Captain Brooks moved to Iowa in 1870 and to Nebraska in 1878 where he bought land at Odell in Gage County and made a farm. Was appointed Adjutant of the Home in 1901, where he seems to be making a good record. Has decided that Seward County is the proper place to make his home.
MICHAEL M. CAMPION
Was an Irish lad, born in County Kilkeney in February, 1839. Somehow Mike got a glimpse of "old Glory" and resolved to make his home in America and at twelve we find the lad at Cleveland, Chio, and from thence he came to Iowa City, Iowa, and there he found his good wife, Miss Ella McCune, and was married June 28, 1866. She was born at Akran, Ohio, July 18, 1851. To them were born eight children : Cora,
26
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
now dead, Burt, Lucy, now Mrs. J. Gillan, John now dead ; Ella dead ; Irene, now Mrs. Robert Campbell, Elvin and Floyd. The family came to this county in 1871 and homesteaded in Section 8 in "M" Town. Mr. Campion was among the earliest settlers on the prairie south of Beaver Crossing. He enlisted in the Iowa first, and was in the bloody conflict at Wilson Creek under the brave General Lyon.
Mr. Campion has been a successful farmer, and is now enjoying the fruits of a well spent life.
MARTIN CAMPION
Was born in old Ireland, October 23, 1842, but did not stay there very long as his parents saw a brighter star beyond the sea, and in 1850, when Martin was eight years old. we find him picking up pebbles along he beach of Lake Erie, at Cleveland. Soon again he takes the trail toward the setting sun, and lands in Johnson County, Iowa.
.
He found his best girl in Linn County and was married near Mt.
Vernon, February 7, 1871, to Miss Elizabeth Graft. She was an Ohio girl, born in Columbian County, September 1, 1844. They have had five children : Charles E., Margaret I., William M .. Herman and Albert, who died in infancy.
Mr. Campion enlisted August 2, 1862, in the 28th Iowa Infantry. Was introduced to the rebels at Fort Gibson, at Champion Hill, Vicks- burg, Jackson, Miss., Edwards Station, Sabine Cross-roads, Cain river, Mitchell Bayou. Yellow Bayou and several other engagements, and he was finally taken in by the rebs at Winchester, Virginia, and for a time enjoyed the hospitality of Libbie prison and Belle Island for thirty days. Somehow they got tired boarding him and he was parolled and sent to Annapolis and was discharged at Savannah, Georgia, July 31, 1865.
Martin had lots of experience which he is ready to tell you if you desire to hear it. He can tell you all about the bill of fare at Hotel De Libbie.
Mr. Campion came among ns in 1871 and bought a farm in "M" Town on Section 24. He is a wide awake citizen.
Church home is with the M. E. people at Beaver Crossing.
ELI COURTRIGHT
Was an Illinois boy, born on the banks of the beautiful Rock river at Dixon, November 26, 1847. December 26, 1878, he strayed away to Elgin on the splendid Fox river and found Miss Laurinda A. Kelley, and they closed a good bargain. She was a Kentucky girl, born in Logan County, September 18, 1842.
They came to Seward County in October, 1873, and first settled on Middle Creek, but bought the present home on Section 13, "N" precinct and soon thereafter moved to the new home.
Eli was a son of Hon. J. B. Courtright. He is a farmer and a good one.
Church home is with the M. E. people at Milford.
.
27
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
REV. E. L. CLARK
The first resident preacher of the county was born in Addison County, Vermont in 1810. His father died just before his birth and the boy was raised by a step-father on a farm among the hills, stumps and stones of that rough region. He obtained his education in the common schools, and later graduated in the Seminary. As soon as he became of age he commenced studying for the ministry with a Baptist cleryman of that vicinity, and commenced his active work at Troy. He filled many pulpits acceptably in Vermont until 1851, when his health failed and then he went to Adirondock Country and opened a farm in that wild wilderness.
At Whiting, Vermont, Mr. Clark formed the acquaintance of Miss Nancy Munger, where they were married in 1831. Miss Munger was born in 1812 and was raised at that place.
Some years later the family were stationed at East Constable, New York, where he was pastor for many years and until his removal to Seward County in 1865. The family settled on a homestead two miles south of Seward. Mr. Clark preached the second sermon ever delivered in this locality in the fall of 1865 at the home of the writer, two and one half miles north-west of the present city. Mr. and Mrs. Clark were most welcome in this new community. The family had to undergo many privations and hardships in the pioneer days but were always cheerful. He proved of great benefit to the community in moulding moral and religious sentiment among the people. He organized the first Baptist Church in 1870.
In 1866 was elected representative to the Territorial legislature and also was elected and served as our first representative in the State Leg- islature, where he bore an honorable part in the Capitol removal bill and many other legislative acts. He had a prominent place on several important committees ; was considered a very valuable and active mem- ber.
Mr. and Mrs. Clark raised eleven children, six boys and five girls, all of which grew to be men and women : Mary J., now Mrs. Forbes, Mattie, now Mrs. G. F. Dickie, Augustus M., now deceased, Schuyler B., C. M., E. L., now deceased, Rev. Moulton, Lucy, now deceased, Miriam, now Mrs. O. A. Stubbs, Elsie M., now Mrs. Carlos Boyes and Rev. Victor.
Mr. Clark's health entirely failed in the winter of 1872-73 and in the early spring his Father called him home to his well earned reward and he was followed to his resting place by sorrowing people. His good companion followed him in 1874, December 19. and was tenderly laid to rest by his side.
IRVING G. CHAPIN
Is another of those lads who served an apprenticeship rolling logs, picking up stone and grubbing around old stumps in the keystone state. Born November 7, 1859, at Watsburg. Remained at the old home until
28
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
fifteen when he went away to school and there we suspect be heard of our grand Nebraska. where he landed in 1883.
I. G. Chapin
He went into the Inmber trade at Beaver Crossing. In 1890 he had made a little trade with Miss Elizabeth B. Davies and in February they were married at Utica, Nebraska. She was an English girl, born near Bristol in 1865. They have four children, viz: Helen D., Lillian, F., Harriet C. and Irving S. Mr. Chapin has become one of Nebraska's prominent lumber merchants and controls several large yards among which is a very large one at Seward and one at Lincoln, Nebraska.
He is a thirty-second degree Mason and an M. W. A. Church home is with the Presbyterians.
ELISHA COURTRIGHT
Son of Abraham Courtright one of the leading pioneers of Seward County, was born October 21, 1850, at Dixon, Illinois where he spent
29
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
his boyhood days beside the beautiful Rock River, swimming in its placid waters, perhaps catching fish, etc. At fourteen his parents found Nebraska and located for awhile in Cass County, but came to Seward County in 1866, and located on the homestead where Elisha now lives in the old historic stone house. Mr. Courtright was married to Miss Ella Cunningham, May 10, 1882. She was born near Monroe, Wisconsin. She died some years ago. They had two children, Abraham and James D.
March 8, 1904, Mr. Courtright married Mrs. Florence Casselberg, a Pennsylvanian girl that came here five years ago. Mr. Conrtright's parents were among the earliest settlers in "P" precinct and the old home is a landmark. He is a Mason.
.
Joseph H. Casler
Utica's present efficient and gentlemanly postmaster, was born in Marquette County, Wisconsin, April 12, 1856, where he grew to man- hood and was educated in the graded schools. In early manhood he went to Minnesota, but it was chilly there and not to his liking and in 1878 we find him at the little hamlet of York. In July 1883, he formed the acquaintance of Miss Ella Tracy. and married her. She was an Illinois girl. There were no children to this union. One year later she
30
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEARASKA
died. July 5, 1893, he married Miss Lizzie May Leavens, of Utica. Born at Disart, Iowa, March 8, 1875. Five children came to bless their home, viz: Ruth, Nina. Lester, Harlow and Vaughn, all Nebraskans
Mrs. J. H. Casler
Mr. Casler was for thirty years connected with the boot and shoe business. In November, 1899, was appointed postmaster at Utica. He made Utica his home in 1880, about the time it was springing to life. He has an honored place with the I. O. O. F., with the Workmen, the M. W. A. and the Aconites.
The family church home is with the Presbyterian people. Mr. Casler is one of the go-ahead citizens of Utica.
ALISON CLARK
A Seward County boy, born January 29, 1868. Educated in the schools of Seward and April 12, 1899, he captured a Seward County girl, Miss Ida Richenban, who was born July 13, 1872, just east of Seward. They have two little ones, Kenneth and Mattie.
He is a good farmer and will some of these days own a farm. Belongs to the Workmen and the M. W. A. Wide-awake and industri- ous, a typical young American farmer.
31
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
JEFFERSON COX.
The Cox boys are noted for finding the western trail when young, and Jefferson is no exception. Was born on the bine clay hills of Brown County, Ohio, June 6, 1849, and found the way to Pike County, Illinois, when a yearling, where he grew to manhood and where he married Miss Eliza B. Reaves, January 25, 1871. She died April 16, 1874. There were two children born to them, viz: Albina B., late Mrs. W. A. Brokaw, and Lydia E., now Mrs. L. Badger.
October 29, 1876, Mr. Cox married Miss Elizabeth E. Reaves, sister of the former wife. She was a Pike County girl. They had two children, viz: Charles W., died in 1896, and Lilly M., died in 1884. Mrs. Cox died March 8, 1884.
October, 1884, Mr. Cox married his third wife, Miss Emma Hill, near Ruby. She was born in Pike County, Illinois, August 24, 1867.
They have four children, viz: Pearl., now Mrs. F. J. Ahlschwede, Doras D., Earl. and Alphus J.
The family came to Seward County in 1878 and settled on Section 14, "J" Town, where he now owns a beautiful home. The church home of the family is with the M. E. church at Ruby.
LANSON J. CLINE
Seward's living and walking encyclopedia was an Ohio boy, born in Wyandotte County, April 9, 1848. At two years of age his father died. His mother saw the trail leading westward and landed in Indiana. Here the lad grew up, or partly grew up, and heard the drum beating for volunteers and at the tender age of fifteen enlisted in Company C, 12th Indiana Cavalry. His regiment did post duty a year at Huntsville, Alabama, then helped capture Mobile, and was with General Grier on his famous raid. Was discharged November 22, 1865. At about this time he formed the acquaintance of a young Kansas teacher and formed a partnership with her, Miss Isabel Halstead, at Reading, Michigan, February 21, 1872. She was born in Ohio, May 10, 1850. They have one daughter, Miss Eva, who is now in the Lincoln Business College. Mr. Cline has been the efficient sexton for both our cemeteries for six years.
He is a great reader of history and has a most remarkable memory and is considered authority in all matters historical, both ancient and modern.
W. W. COX
A pioneer from the start. Among the rugged hills of old Cataraugus County, New York, the lad first saw the light November 2, 1832. The parents saw the bright western star in 1834 and moved overland to Cen- tral Illinois, where the father died within a few months. The widow, with the children, moved very soon afterwards to Green County, Wis- consin Territory, where, May 8, 1838, she died. From this time the
32
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
boy was not raised, "he just growed." His mother is supposed to be the first white woman buried in Green County.
Six years were spent with James Hawthorn, a splendid man, near Monroe, but the lad can never forget his wife, who was a tyrant. At thirteen the boy found his way back to New York state where he fell into the hands of the Phillistines. In 1849 he returned to the west and
-
Mrs. Rebecca Sampson Cox
in 1850 he began his career as a teacher. Six years later he found one of the best women in the world and was married, March 27, 1856, to Re- becca Sampson. Eight children came to bless their home, viz : Kate J., now Mrs. J. A. Ruby ; Nettie M., late Mrs. F. P. Pingreee, Elmer E., now dead. Lincoln W., Dr. Onmar L., Charles B., Nora A., now Mrs. E. C. Baker, and Carrie R., died in infancy. The family made residence on a homestead December, 1864. Church home is with the M. E. people. For further information read his book.
MRS. REBECCA SAMPSON COX
One of the pioneer mothers of Nebraska, was born at Paris, Ohio,
33
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
August 26, 1833. In her infancy her parents moved overland into the wilderness of Knox County. Illinois, where she grew to womanhood amidst the wild surroundings of that new country. March 27, 1856, she became the wife of W. W. Cox and two years later the young couple took the western trail and landed in Page County, Iowa and in 1860 Feb- ruary 28, they came to the the new territory of Nebraska. In all the
-
.
L. W. Cox
struggles incident to pioneer life she was a most noble wife and mother. In the church of her choice she was ever faithful to every obligation. In the communities which she helped to build she was looked upon as a model. After raising a family of seven children that can truly call her name blessed, she took her departure for the Heavenly Home Feb- ruary 14, 1900. She had been a consistent Christian worker in the M. E. church for fifty-one years. Her humble home was the shelter where the weary pioneer minister always found a warm welcome. She helped organize the first Sabbath school in Lancaster County and also the first in Seward County and she helped organize the first M. E. church in all this wilderness.
.
LINCOLN W. COX
The first white boy born in "G" precinct. Came to cheer the wilderness home of his parents, March 16, 1865, two and one half miles Northwest of the present city of Seward.
34
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
Lincoln fished in the river, 'chased cattle and had a good time generally. Received his ¿education 'in the city schools and Omaha Business College and in the lumber yard where he commenced his training at sixteen. While in his minority had charge of yards at Waco, Exeter, Ansley then at Omaha. Was foreman at McCook yard nine years, when he opened three yards in Scotts Bluffs County, at Scotts Bluffs at Mitchel and Minitare in 1902.
Married Miss Sarah E. Linville, April 2, 1897, who died at McCook,
Dr. O. L. Cox
Nebraska, in March, 1900. They had one little daughter, Ruby Lin- ville.
Mr. Cox married the second wife, Miss Loretta Trowbridge, June 24, 1902. They also have two children, Ruth V. and an infant not named.
Mr. Cox is a member of the I. O. O.F., A. O. U. W., B. U. W. and Sons of Protection. This Seward County boy now holds a leading position among the energetic business men of Scotts Bluffs County.
DR. OMAR L. COX
The second boy who is now living who was born in "G" precinct. Was born on the old family homestead two and one half miles North- west of Seward, July 31, 1867.
Like other boys of the wilderness he chased rabbits and waded Blue river until old enough to go to school. Was educated in the Seward schools, studied pharmacy with Kettle and Gerke, then run a drug store for some years at Staplehurst and at Germantown. February 5, 1890, married Miss Laurilla Gibbs, at Germantown. Studied medicine and graduated at Cotner Medical College in the class of 1894, with the honors of his class. Took post graduate courses at Chicago as follows :
35
.
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
Clinical school in 1898 and 1900, eye, nose and throat college in 1904. Located at Cortland, Nebraska, in March, 1894. He is examining sur- geon and member of the orders following: A. F. and A. M., M. W. A., A.O. U. W., W. O. W., Royal Highlanders, and O.E.s. Church home is with the Cortland Congregationalists.
They have two children : LeGrande W., Herschel D.
December 1904 Dr. Cox sold out at Cortland. Since that time has taken post graduate courses at Royal London Ophthalmic hospital (More- fields, ) and Central London nose and throat hospital and also at the Chi- cago eye, ear, nose and throat hospital. Dr. Cox may be found over Bank of Commerce at 13, and O Streets, Lincoln, Nebr.
GEORGE W. COLLAMORE
An English born boy but thoroughbred American, born April 27, 1851. Crossed the pond in 1853(pretty young for a long trip but he made it all right). The lad landed in Illinois, where in due time, September 4, 1867, at Sycamore he won the heart and hand of Miss Cornelia Blood. She was born March 23, 1850. in Wisconsin. Mrs. Collamore died at Utica, Nebraska, March 23, 1880. To their union were born five children, viz: Minnie, Lnella, Mande, Leonard and George Collamore. Minnie is now Mrs. Arnold Zbinder. Mande is now Mrs. Charlie Marquis and Luella is now Mrs. David Hively.
July 3, 1881, Mr. Collamore married Miss Nellie J. Rogers, of Ruby, Nebraska. who came to Seward County in childhood in 1878. They have born to them eight children, viz: William W., Lewis I., Ethelyn, Arthur, now dead, Elmer, Achsah, Edward and Dean. The family came to the County in 1871 and located on a homestead seven miles north of Utica and of course enjoyed many of the luxuries of frontier life, such as sod house, living on wind pudding, etc., having mail once in a long time, fording the creek and killing rattlers. Mr. Collamore is at this time the efficient marshal of Utica. He is a member of the A. F. and A. M., also of the M. W. A.
DR. HERSCHEL B. CUMMINS
One of our most successful physicians, is to all intents and purposes a Seward boy, although born in Green County, Pennsylvania, in March, 1859. Lived in Washington County, West Virginia, six years in his early boyhood. Then with his father's family came West to Henderson County, Illinois, where the lad attended school. The family came. to Seward in 1874. He soon became acquainted with Dr. Woodward, for whom he worked tending and driving the Doctor's team, and finally took a notion that he would like to be a doctor, which Dr. Woodward encouraged. So under his care the lad began the study of medicine and did chores to pay his way. He determined to make a success and sought ways and means to take a university course, which he com- pleted in the class of 1885, graduating with honors. Returned to Seward, practiced for all these years with marked success. Since
36
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
finishing his course he has taken several post graduate courses and has now for many years filled the chairs of physiology, histology, and hygiene. and for the last five years lectured on practice with much credit in the Lincoln Medical College. Has filled the office of County
.
Dr. H. B. Cummins
physician. Was elected and served with much credit as representative in the legislature in the session of 1900 and 1901, in the 19th senatorial district.
Married Miss Jennie Ritchie at Seward in 1886. Mrs. Cummins was born in Illinois. She proved a model wife and mother. To them were born two boys, Herschel B. and Harry, both yet at the parental home. Mrs. Cummins died Oct. 19, 1901. She was very highly respected wherever known. Dr. Cummins is a charter member of the State Eclectic Medical Society, an Odd Fellow, a Knight of Pythias and a
37
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
Modern Woodman. He takes a decided interest in all these fraternities. Was at one time president of the State Eclectic Medical Society.
Has been a member of the board of education where he took a very active part. Is one of the leaders in the Populist party and takes great interest in pushing its claims to popular favor. Was appointed in 1897 a member of the state board of health, and after a term of three years, had to resign when elected to the House. Pretty good for a poor Seward boy.
Mrs. H. B. Cummins
ELMER E. CUMMINS
Born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, November 14, 1861. Came to Warren County, Illinois, at Monmouth in his early childhood, but had to seek a better place in Nebraska and in 1874 we find the lad at Seward where he was educated and married. Married October 5, 1891, to Miss Ida M. Weatherby. She was a Missouri girl transplanted to Seward soil when a child and received her education in cui city schools. They have three children, viz., Beatrice, Elizabeth and Cecil.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.